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As the chopper soared through the night sky, Akshat’s eyes remained glued to his phone, his finger tapping repeatedly on the screen, as if willing Amrit to pick up. The hum of the helicopter was drowned out by the frantic thoughts racing through his mind, but no matter how many times he dialed, her number went straight to voicemail. His chest tightened with each unanswered call, and his feet continued to tap nervously against the floor of the helicopter cabin. Every second that passed without hearing her voice made the air feel heavier, his desperation growing with every passing minute.

The chopper sliced through the dark, its lights flickering against the vast expanse of the night sky. Akshat’s hands clenched around his phone, and his mind couldn't focus on anything except Amrit—her safety, her whereabouts. He didn't know what he'd do if something had happened to her. His eyes darted to the window, the dim lights of the city below a blur as he desperately tried to calm his racing heartbeat.

After what seemed like an eternity, the chopper finally descended, its propellers slowly winding down.

He quickly typed in the address and sent it to the cab service, his fingers trembling as he hit "Send." Then, without hesitation, he stepped off the chopper, the cold air biting at his skin as he rushed toward the waiting car. He jumped into the backseat, not sparing a second to glance at the driver.

“Drive fast, please!” he said urgently, his voice filled with desperation. The driver nodded without a word, his foot pressing down on the gas pedal as the car pulled into the night.

Akshat's mind was a whirlwind of fear and frustration. He wanted to believe Amrit was fine, that nothing was wrong, but the thought of Virendra Thakur’s escape gnawed at him like a cold chill. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was racing against time, that he was one step away from disaster. His heart hammered in his chest as the city blurred past him, the headlights flashing like warning signs.

“Please be safe,” he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the sound of the speeding car. He clenched his fists, his eyes scanning the streets, hoping, praying, for some sign that Amrit was okay. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him, making it harder to breathe.

His mind stayed locked on one thing: getting to her before it was too late.

The cab screeched to a halt in front of the address, the engine’s hum fading as Akshat leapt out, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. His eyes darted across the surroundings—twinkling lights strung up in celebration, children running through the yard, their laughter echoing through the air. Women chatted amongst themselves as they worked, but Akshat didn’t see any of it. His mind was a singular tunnel, fixated only on one thing: Amrit.

The air felt thick as he rushed forward, the weight of his own panic like a boulder pressing down on his chest. His pulse was a cacophony in his ears, each beat growing louder, more frantic. He approached a man, holding out his phone to show the address, the words spilling out before he even registered them.

“Where is this address? Where is she?”

The man mumbled something he didn’t register, the words a blur. He shoved past him, ignoring the confusion around him as he rushed through the open gate, the sounds of the bustling household fading into the background. His mind, frantic and disoriented, was deaf to the chaos—he was a storm, and everything else was just the wind whipping around him.

“Amrit!!” His voice cracked through the air, breaking the normalcy of the evening. He didn’t care that the voices around him faltered, frowning in confusion, or that people looked up at him with bewilderment. The only thing that mattered was finding her, holding her, knowing she was safe. His voice, hoarse with urgency, echoed through the empty corners of his mind.

“Amrit!!” he shouted again, his throat burning with the weight of his desperation.

Someone asked, "Who are you?" but he didn’t stop. His mind was a maze, tangled and lost in his fear. "Where is Amrit?" he demanded, his voice harsh with the panic clawing at his insides. But before he could hear an answer, he shouted her name again, louder this time, his heart in his throat. His entire being felt like it was quaking under the force of the storm inside him.

Then, out of nowhere, a voice—so familiar, so warm, it was the very sound of safety—cut through the chaos, halting his breath.

“Akshat!”

Time seemed to freeze. His heart, once a frantic mess, slowed in disbelief and then surged again, this time with relief so intense it nearly crushed him. His body moved before his mind could catch up.

He whipped around, and there she was, standing at the entrance with shopping bags in her hands, the same Amrit he’d been frantically searching for. His body didn’t wait. His heart didn’t wait. He ran towards her as if his very existence depended on it, a man drowning who had finally reached the shore.

And then, as if the ground beneath him had given way, he pulled her into him, his arms locking around her like a man who had found his anchor. Her body pressed into his, and it felt like a thousand chains falling from him, every moment of fear, every second of torment, shattered in that instant. Her shopping bags slipped from her hands, forgotten as she was enveloped in his frantic embrace.

His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling with the rapid rhythm of his pulse. Tears, hot and relentless, burned down his face, not even caring to hide themselves. His body trembled as if the shock of relief was too much for him to bear. His lips trembled against her hair, and he whispered through broken sobs, “I thought I lost you. I thought I lost you, Amrit.”

He held her tighter, his grip almost desperate. He felt like he was floating, like he was holding onto the last thread of sanity. His heart had been a volatile storm, whipped by fear and dread, but in her arms, everything fell into place. Everything is still. And for the first time in what felt like forever, he let himself feel the relief, letting it rush through his veins like a healing wave.

“You’re safe,” he whispered, as much to her as to himself, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, as though confirming she was real. His hands, still trembling, cupped her face, tracing the contours of her features. She was here. She was in his arms. And nothing else in the world mattered.

"Are you okay? Why weren't you picking up my calls? I told you to pick up, kahan thi?!" Akshat’s voice was rough, his words tumbling out in a cascade of concern. He stepped back just enough to see her face clearly, the weight of his fear and relief pressing down on him. "I got a call from the police station that Virendra Thakur escaped from jail. Do you know how scared I was? I... I thought something happened to you. That I lost you."

Amrit, still holding onto the remnants of his embrace, looked up at him, her eyes softening. "I... I went for shopping. I left my phone at home, Akshat. I’m fine."

His heart, which had been pounding in a frenzy, slowed just a little as he processed her words. Still, the grip of his anxiety didn’t loosen fully. He pulled her back into his arms without thinking, his face pressing into the crook of her neck as if he could erase the terror that had gnawed at him.

Her voice, barely a whisper, broke through his frantic embrace. "Akshat... everyone is watching us."

He froze, his arms reluctantly loosening as he straightened up, the realization dawning on him. He looked around, the bustling activity of the house around him becoming more apparent. The once muted sounds of people moving about now seemed louder, and only then did Akshat take in his surroundings.

He cleared his throat, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he adjusted himself, attempting to ease the tension he had unwittingly caused. "Namaste," he said, bowing slightly. "I’m sorry to barge in like this," he added, trying to keep his composure while the warmth of his earlier panic still lingered in his chest.

Pratibha, who had been observing the scene with wide eyes, smiled warmly. "Masi, ye Akshat hain. Mere pati," Amrit introduced him, her voice tinged with amusement and affection.

The room fell silent for a moment, the shock and surprise on everyone’s faces palpable. Akshat, still slightly awkward from the attention, exchanged looks with Amrit before the silence was broken.

"Damad ji!" Pratibha exclaimed with a surprised but welcoming tone. "Baithiye na... arre, jao nashta le kar aao," she added, her hands waving in the direction of the kitchen, instructing someone to bring food for him.

Akshat's face flushed a little, and he smiled, nodding politely. He glanced at Amrit, silently seeking her reassurance. She gave him a small nod, that comforting, calming smile of hers that always seemed to steady his Itracing thoughts.

He made his way inside the house, walking toward the sofa with a slow, measured pace as the murmurs of the family continued around him. He sat down, his eyes flicking around the room, absorbing the warm, familial atmosphere.

Akshat settled on the sofa, barely having a moment to gather his thoughts before tea and an assortment of snacks appeared before him.

"Damad ji, ab aa gaye hain toh shaadi attend karke hi jaiye," Pratibha's husband, Anand, requested with a broad smile.

Before Akshat could respond, Amrit spoke up, "Mausaji, he’s busy... unke paas time hi nahi hai," she said, her tone gentle but firm.

Akshat looked at her, his gaze unwavering. "Ji… and you are also coming with me," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Amrit blinked, taken aback. "Kya?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for an explanation.

He took a step closer, lowering his voice as he spoke. "I can't leave you alone here, not in these circumstances."

Her expression softened but was laced with concern as she leaned in, matching his quiet tone. "Akshat… sabko kitna bura lagega. They’ve been so excited for the wedding, and it would hurt them if we left so soon."

His brows furrowed, his voice laced with quiet frustration. "Tum samajh kyun nahi rahi ho? I can't leave you here," he replied, the intensity of his gaze showing just how serious he was. His voice was a blend of worry and protectiveness, each word a testament to the turmoil inside him.

The room around them buzzed with the family’s chatter, oblivious to the tension between them. Amrit glanced at her family, then back to him, hesitating as she saw the worry etched on his face. She knew he was right; the recent news of Virendra Thakur’s escape was weighing on him heavily, casting a shadow over everything.

Amrit sighed, looking at him with pleading eyes. "Nothing will happen to me, Akshat… sab hain yahan. Aur aise kaise mai sab chhor ke chali jaun? Sab kya sochenge?"

He glanced around, noticing the disappointment reflected on everyone's faces. He could see how much they wanted him to stay.

Just then, an older lady stepped forward, her face full of warmth. "Kya hua? Damad ji, aap ruk rahe hain na?"

Akshat looked from her to Amrit, the weight of everyone’s anticipation pressing on him. He sighed and nodded, feeling the need to ease their disappointment. "Ji, I will stay," he said, his gaze resting on Amrit. He knew his work could wait, but he couldn't bear to leave her alone or disappoint her family by taking her away now.

Amrit’s brows knit in concern as she whispered, "Par aap… aap kaise reh sakte hain yahan?"

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Kyun? Kya problem hai?"

Her gaze softened, though her worry didn’t fade. "Aapki meetings thi na… aur classes bhi."

"Not more important than you," he said firmly. "Online ho jayega sab."

She bit her lip, knowing he was set on staying, yet unable to shake her worry. "Aap yahan adjust nahi kar payenge…" she said, her tone both teasing and concerned.

Akshat’s smile turned playful. "Let me decide that," he replied, before addressing the family. "I haven’t brought my belongings… toh I’ll go back, pack my clothes, and return in a few hours."

As he turned to leave, he gently patted Amrit's cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. "I’ll be back soon," he murmured, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

Amrit’s own smile softened, a warmth spreading through her heart.

As Akshat stepped out, Amrit watched him go, her heart still fluttering from everything that had just happened. She barely had time to process it when her cousins, Trisha and Amaira, sidled up to her, their eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Amrit… jijaji photo se kahin jyada handsome real me dikhte hain, yaar," Trisha whispered, nudging her.

Amrit’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to stifle a smile. "Chup kar, Trisha," she murmured, though she couldn’t hide the hint of pride in her eyes.

Amaira joined in, her voice filled with admiration. "Sach me… and did you see how much he cares about you? Unki shakal dekhi thi jab tum mil nahi rahi thi? Woh toh pagal hi ho gaye the!"

Amrit tried to brush off their comments, but their teasing brought a warmth to her heart. Before she could respond, Pratibha stepped into the conversation, a determined look on her face.

"Accha, chalo… jaldi se ek room prepare karvao damad ji ke liye. Amrit, chal help karva," Pratibha said, waving her hand to usher them along.

Amrit nodded, following her aunt down the hallway with Trisha and Amaira trailing behind, still grinning and exchanging looks.

The night was buzzing with the warm hospitality and endless banter of Amrit’s family, who were thrilled to welcome Akshat into their home.

"Jiju aa gaye!" Trisha exclaimed as she spotted Akshat stepping into the house.

Amrit, busy arranging dishes on the dining table, paused and glanced toward the entrance. A faint smile appeared on her face, watching him being welcomed with open arms by her family.

"Hum log yahi baat kar rahe the ki aap kab aayenge. Aapke liye aaj specially khana banaya gaya hai," Amaira said, grinning.

Akshat smiled humbly, “Iski kya zaroorat thi?”

“Arey! Pehli baar damad ko khana khilana hai, to impression accha padna chahiye na!” Pratibha teased.

Before Akshat could respond, Trisha and Amaira took him by the arms. "Aaiye baithiye," they said in unison, guiding him toward a chair.

“Arre unhe change toh kar lene do,” Amrit interjected, chuckling at her cousins’ eagerness.

“Sorry, damad ji, ye dono bahot shaitan hain,” Pratibha apologised, smiling. “Aap chaliye kapde badal lijiye… Amrit, jao inhe room mein le jao.”

Amrit nodded, leading Akshat to the guest room. Once inside, she gestured toward the bed.

“Aap change kar lijiye,” she said softly.

Akshat set his bag down, taking out his night clothes and a towel. Glancing back at Amrit, he raised an eyebrow. “Main change karne ja raha hoon.”

“Haan, bilkul,” Amrit nodded, looking back at him.

Akshat gave her a teasing smile. “Toh tumhara mujhe change karte hue dekhne ka plan hai kya?”

Realizing she was still standing there, Amrit’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, sorry, sorry!” She stammered, rushing out of the room.

Akshat chuckled, shaking his head as he closed the door. After a few minutes, he joined the family at the dining table.

“Baitho, beta,” Anand said, gesturing to a chair next to him.

Amrit, now serving food, brought over a bowl of paneer. She served Anand first and then moved to Akshat. As she served him, her cousin mischievously started singing, “Mujhe haq hai… hoooo mujhe haq hai…”

Amrit shot her cousin a warning glare as both she and Akshat shifted uncomfortably.

“Ayee, maar padegi,” Pratibha scolded, making everyone chuckle.

Amaira couldn’t resist teasing further. “Vaise jiju, aapko pata hai didi aapko kitna miss kar rahi thi. Baar baar apna phone dekh rahi thi, aapki call miss kar rahi thi.”

Amrit’s cheeks flushed as she cut in, “Amaira, maasi aa rahi hain,” glaring at her cousin.

“Beta, ye log aise hi hain, bura mat man na… aur tum log ki toh seva hogi abhi,” Pratibha said, narrowing her eyes playfully at Amaira and her siblings, who gulped, making Amrit smirk.

After dinner, Anand turned to Akshat. “Raat kaafi ho gayi hai aur baar baar aane jaane se thakan lag gayi hogi, toh aap jaa ke rest kar lo.”

Akshat nodded. “Ji,” he replied.

As they entered the room, Amrit apologised, “Sorry, unn log ki wajah se aapko awkward feel hua.”

Akshat shrugged with a small smile. “It’s ok, bache hain.”

“Aap so jaiye,” she said, straightening the pillow for him.

“Tum kahan ja rahi ho?” Akshat asked, watching her get ready to leave. “I mean… tum yahan nahi sone wali kya?”

“Oh… mai toh masi ki help karne jaa rahi hoon, bas abhi aati hoon,” she replied quickly, exiting the room. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

A few minutes later, a burning smell filled the air. Akshat noticed a faint smoke coming from the ceiling fan. Alarmed, he called for help. Within seconds, the family rushed in.

“Jalne ki badbu aa rahi hai! Fan jal gaya lagta hai,” Anand observed, eyeing the malfunctioning fan.

“Isko aaj hi hona tha…” Pratibha muttered. “Damad ji ke liye alag se room taiyaar kiya tha!”

Akshat tried to reassure her. “It’s all right masi ji, mai kahin bhi so jaunga. Please don't bother”

“Thik hai, beta,” Anand said, nodding. “Bas aaj ke liye manage kar lo, kal tak sahi ho jayega.”

Pratibha suggested, “Chhat pe damad ji ke liye ek palang lagva do.”

Anand and the other men came up to the terrace. Anand instructed, “Pransh, pankhe ko damad ji ki taraf kar do.”

Akshat quickly protested. “Arre, nahi nahi, aap log ko garmi lagegi,” he said.

“Nahi beta, mausam sahi hai. Tum thak ke aaye ho, accha se so jao,” Anand insisted.

*******************************************

Kavya sat cross-legged on her bed, immersed in a stack of files, occasionally pushing back her hair as she focused on her work. But the lively sounds of laughter and playful accusations from the living room drew her attention. She paused, a faint smile crossing her face as she listened to her daughter, Bulbul, and Krishiv’s banter drifting through the walls.

In the living room, Bulbul crossed her arms, pouting with an exaggerated frown. "You are such a cheater! I gave you the right name!" she huffed, eyeing Krishiv with playful indignation.

Krishiv put a hand to his chest, feigning shock. "Waah! Ulta chor kotwal ko daante? You’re the one losing, so now you start blaming me?"

Bulbul’s frown deepened. "You are so bad!"

Krishiv smirked, leaning in a little closer, unbothered by her words. "Still, you like me," he said confidently, flashing her a playful grin.

Bulbul’s cheeks puffed out as she shook her head. "I don’t," she declared, trying to keep a serious expression but failing to hide the glimmer of affection in her eyes.

Krishiv placed a hand on his heart, pretending to be wounded. "Ouch! That hurt."

Before Bulbul could respond, her expression softened, and she suddenly threw her arms around him, giggling. "I love you!" she exclaimed, her little voice full of warmth.

Krishiv chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you too, little one," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. They sat there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, as Kavya watched from the doorway, her heart softening at the sight.

She was about to return to her files when her phone rang, the screen flashing an unknown number. Her brow furrowed, and with a sigh, she picked it up.

"Yes?" she answered, her voice calm but guarded.

"Remember me, darling?" came a voice, smooth yet sinister.

The phone slipped from her fingers, and for a second, the world seemed to go quiet. She picked it up again, her hand trembling.

“P...Prakash?” she managed, her voice barely a whisper, fear creeping into her tone.

The man on the other end chuckled darkly. “Chalo, ham yaad toh hain! I hope you're regretting leaving me and taking away my daughter, Kavya.”

Her initial shock gave way to fury, and she clenched the phone tightly. "Shut up! How dare you contact me again? I don't even want to hear your voice. And she is not your daughter…she’s no one to you, and I am no one to you. We are happy in our lives, Prakash. Don’t you dare call me again, or the consequences will be severe.”

Prakash’s laughter echoed coldly. “Oh, Kavya, you think you can keep her away from me? No one can stop me from doing what I want. Mai bhi dekhta hoon kab tak chhupti ho tum mujhse. Just wait and watch… I’ll reach out to you soon and take back what’s mine.”

Kavya’s voice was filled with rage and a desperate protectiveness. “Don’t you dare come near my daughter, Prakash. If you so much as touch her, I will make sure you regret it.”

“Try me,” he taunted, a cruel edge in his tone.

Before he could say more, she hung up and quickly blocked the number. Her hands shook uncontrollably, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. She gripped the table to steady herself, feeling the weight of panic pressing down on her chest. Forcing herself to take deep breaths, she reached for a glass of water and drank slowly, trying to calm her racing heart.

Kavya covered her face with her hands, willing herself to regain composure. But the darkness of his threat lingered in her mind, and as she glanced at Bulbul playing happily with Krishiv in the other room, her resolve hardened. Whatever it took, she would protect her daughter from Prakash’s reach.

“Mummaaa! Bhook lagi hai!” Bulbul’s voice pulled Kavya back to the present. She quickly gulped down another glass of water, washed her face, and stepped out of the kitchen, forcing a smile that she hoped would mask the turmoil inside her. It was dinner time, and she needed to be strong for her daughter.

“Please have a seat, sir. Bulbul, tum bhi baitho, I’ll serve the dinner,” she said, trying to keep her tone steady.

But Krishiv looked at her, shaking his head. “Arre, we can serve ourselves, na? Bulbul, you’re a grown-up girl, right? Toh you should know how to serve yourself.”

Kavya attempted a polite protest. “Sir, it’s fine. I can–”

“Nahi, aap yahan baithiye.” He gently guided her to sit in the middle chair. “Let us take care of it tonight.”

Kavya sank into the chair, caught off guard, as Krishiv turned to Bulbul with a playful smile. “Bulbul, I’ll show you how to serve, okay? You just follow me.”

He began serving himself, taking each spoonful with care, and Bulbul, eyes wide with concentration, copied his movements. Kavya watched them, yet her mind kept drifting back to the call, to the unsettling voice that still echoed in her ears. Her hands trembled slightly, and beads of sweat dotted her forehead despite the cool room.

Krishiv noticed her distant expression and frowned. “Bulbul ki mummy? Aap bhi toh khaiye,” he encouraged gently, his voice breaking through her haze.

“Huh? Ji…” She quickly dabbed her forehead with her sleeve, offering a small, distracted smile.

“Why are you sweating, Mumma?” Bulbul asked, her innocent face tilting with curiosity.

Kavya faltered for a moment. “I...I’m not… I mean, haan, garmi zyada hai.” She forced another smile, hoping it would reassure her daughter, but her hands still felt clammy, and she glanced away, trying to steady herself.

Krishiv’s gaze softened, noticing the tension she was trying so hard to hide.

As dinner continued, Kavya tried to push the troubling thoughts aside, but her mind was scattered. She reached for the bowl of dal, her hand trembling slightly, and before she realized, a few drops spilled over the edge, splashing onto the table.

“Oops…” she whispered, her cheeks flushing as she tried to clean up quickly.

Krishiv’s observant eyes didn’t miss the slip, but he stayed silent, giving her a gentle, understanding nod as if to say it was no big deal. He went on chatting with Bulbul, keeping the atmosphere light, but Kavya felt his subtle glances toward her, concerned but patient.

As she refocused on her meal, she picked up a piece of roti, only to accidentally drop it back on her plate with a clatter that made Bulbul giggle.

As Krishiv stood up, he gave a gentle smile. "I should leave now," he said, glancing at the clock.

Bulbul’s face immediately fell. “Stay a little more na, please,” she pleaded, her big eyes looking up at him with a hopeful expression.

Kavya gave a soft chuckle. “Bulbul, it’s getting late. You have to sleep, remember? Don’t you have school tomorrow?”

Bulbul sighed, her little shoulders slumping. “Haan, okay. Bye,” she said, pouting.

Krishiv’s heart softened at her disappointment. Kneeling down, he gently tapped her nose. “Aww, don’t be sad, okay? Kal aapka half day hai, right? Toh office me milenge na,” he promised, flashing her a reassuring grin.

Instantly, her face lit up. “Really? Okay, good night!” she said, leaning in as he gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Bulbul, go and brush your teeth,” Kavya called after her, and with a happy skip, Bulbul ran off to her room.

Kavya walked Krishiv to the door, the quiet of the night settling around them. She opened the door, glancing up at him with a soft smile. “Good night,” she murmured.

Just as he turned to go, Krishiv paused, looking at her with a depth of warmth and understanding in his eyes. “I don’t know what’s troubling you… but trust me, everything will be alright,” he said, his voice calm yet reassuring, as if he sensed the weight she was carrying but didn’t press.

Kavya felt her heart soften at his words. For a moment, her guard dropped, and she found herself nodding, a grateful smile playing at her lips. “Thank you… good night,” she whispered.

*******************************************

Akshat lay back on the bed, his head resting on the pillow as he tried to relax. Just then, he noticed Amrit standing quietly near the side of the bed, placing a jug of water on the small table beside him. She looked at him, her expression unreadable but her presence warm and comforting.

“Tum soye nahi?” he asked, his voice low yet curious.

She shook her head slightly, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting his again. “Neend nahi aa rahi,” she replied softly, settling onto the edge of the bed as if seeking solace. She wanted to say more, to share the unspoken truth lingering in her mind—I can’t sleep without you. But the words remained unsaid, her heart caught between longing and restraint.

He shifted over on the bed, making space for her beside him, and with a gentle, almost silent gesture, he invited her to sit closer.

She hesitated for just a moment, then accepted the invitation, settling beside him.

The two of them sat side by side, gazing at the gentle glow of the moon against the night sky. A serene silence surrounded them, broken only by the distant sounds of nature. Amrit’s hand reached over, her fingers lightly clasping his in an unexpected but tender gesture. Akshat felt a small surge of surprise but didn’t pull away. Instead, he turned his head to look at her, noticing how her gaze remained fixed on the moon, lost in thought.

After a moment, she spoke softly, her fingers lightly playing with his. “I’m sorry… meri wajah se aap yahan fas gaye,” she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of guilt.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s my decision, Amrit,” he replied firmly. “Khud ko har cheez pe blame karna band karo.” His voice was gentle, yet there was a trace of concern in his tone that reassured her.

She hesitated for a second, her curiosity winning over. “Aapne ghar pe Maa aur Papa ko kya bataya?” she blurted out, breaking the momentary silence.

His head snapped to her, surprise clear in his eyes. “Kisko?” he asked, his eyebrows slightly raised.

Realizing how she’d worded it, she quickly corrected herself, a shy smile forming. “I… I mean aapke Maa aur Papa ko.”

But Akshat’s expression softened, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Hamare,” he said, his gaze warm and reassuring. “Pehle wali line jyada sahi thi.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she smiled, feeling a sense of belonging in his words.

“What do you think?” she asked, a little more seriously this time. “Aapke ghar vale mujhe accept karenge? I mean, what if… they don’t like me?” There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice as she voiced her deepest worry.

Akshat let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Not possible,” he said confidently. “No one can not like you.”

“Accha?” she replied, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Khud ko bhul gaye aap? Shuru shuru mein toh mere jaan ke dushman bane huye the.”

Akshat chuckled at the memory, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Apni harkatein nahi yaad? No one has ever irritated me this much before you."

Amrit gasped, feigning offense. "Haww! Aur aap kya the? Pados wali aunty? Meri mummy se chugli karne aa gaye the!"

"Excuse me?" he shot back, smirking. "Mai chugli karne nahi aaya tha... tumhari harkatein bata raha tha unhe."

"Ek hi baat hui," she replied with a playful shrug, and he laughed softly, shaking his head.

After a moment, his voice softened as he reassured her. "Apart from all that… I’m sure everyone will like you. Actually, I think everyone already does."

She tilted her head slightly, her expression teasing. "Aap bhi?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with a hint of challenge.

His smile faltered, and he looked at her, a bit taken aback by her question. He was searching for words when she let out a soft chuckle, her tone lightening. "I was joking," she said, trying to ease his sudden tension.

He gulped, regaining his composure. "You are my wife… so… I… I have to like you."

Her gaze softened as she looked at him, her smile gentle. She shook her head, her voice quiet yet steady. "Akshat, liking someone… that’s not something you do just because you have to." She paused, her fingers absentmindedly tracing small circles on the back of his hand. "I don’t want you to feel that way out of responsibility or because I’m your wife. That feeling… it should come from here," she said, pressing her hand over his heart. "When your heart is ready to accept it."

He was silent, absorbing her words, watching the sincerity in her eyes. She continued, her voice unwavering, though a hint of vulnerability slipped through. "I’m ready to wait for that day, whenever it comes… if it comes. I don’t want you to like me just because it’s expected or because you think it’s your duty. I’d rather it happen only if… if it’s truly from your heart."

Akshat looked down at their joined hands, something shifting in his gaze. He hadn’t expected such honesty, such patience from her.

Akshat’s hand lifted almost instinctively, reaching out as if drawn by some unseen force. His fingers brushed against her cheek, warm and soft beneath his touch. He cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing a faint line along her cheekbone before tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Akshat…" she whispered, her voice barely audible, but it seemed to ripple through the quiet night.

"Hmm?" he murmured, his eyes searching hers, his heart caught off guard by the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

She hesitated, her own heartbeat racing, and then, in a voice as soft as the breeze, she confessed, "I like you."

Her words hung in the air, a quiet declaration that startled him into silence. He looked at her, his expression caught between surprise and a kind of awe, as if he were seeing her for the first time. For a moment, it felt as though the world around them had faded, leaving just the two of them under the starlit sky.

But the tender moment was interrupted by a faint cough behind them. Startled, Akshat quickly pulled his hand back, letting it drop to his side, while Amrit looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. They both looked in the direction of the sound, spotting an elderly man nearby who gave them a quick, knowing nod before shuffling away.

Akshat let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. He glanced at Amrit, who was also struggling to contain her smile, then he looked up at the moon, the laughter settling into a quiet, contented smile on his face.

They sat together in comfortable silence, watching the moonlight bathe the landscape in silver. Gradually, he felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him, his eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment. He let out a soft sigh, his head beginning to lean back slightly as sleep took hold.

Amrit noticed his growing weariness, her expression softening. She carefully leaned over, her movements gentle as she guided him down to lie against the cushion. She tucked a pillow beneath his head, ensuring he was comfortable before settling back herself.

As she watched his sleeping face, she felt an inexplicable warmth fill her heart. She took a moment to simply observe him, the way his features softened in sleep, a calmness erasing any traces of his usual guarded expression.

She leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. She lingered for a heartbeat, savouring the moment, before pulling back, a tender smile gracing her lips.

As she rose and began to walk away, she missed the faint flicker of movement from Akshat’s eyes. He blinked, his lashes lifting just in time to catch a glimpse of her retreating figure. A gentle smile crept across his face as he lay there, the memory of her kiss lingering like a comforting warmth.

For the first time in a long time, he felt a strange happiness settle over him—a feeling he couldn’t quite name, but one that he found he didn’t want to let go of.

With everything set, the men eventually drifted off to sleep, but Akshat lay awake, unable to ignore the symphony of snores surrounding him. He tried to cover his ears with a pillow, but the noise only grew louder.

As the minutes ticked by, the air grew warm and humid. He shifted uncomfortably, muttering to himself, “Yahan toh neend hi nahi aa rahi…”

His gaze fell upon the small, squeaky table fan positioned at his bedside. The blades spun lazily, barely stirring the heavy, humid air, but it was still a comfort on this sweltering night. He glanced around and noticed the older man nearby, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead as he tried to fan himself with a handkerchief. A few other men were also visibly uncomfortable, shifting restlessly in the oppressive heat, their breaths shallow.

Akshat looked back at the fan, feeling its faint breeze on his face, but he couldn’t ignore the discomfort around him. Despite the clammy warmth clinging to his skin, a pang of empathy tugged at his heart. The modest coolness he was enjoying felt like a luxury compared to what they were enduring.

With a quiet sigh, he rose from the cot, careful not to disturb anyone. He adjusted the fan’s angle, shifting it slowly to cast its limited breeze across the room. The fan now oscillated just enough to reach the others, offering them some respite.

Akshat returned to his cot, his body still tense from the unrelenting heat, yet a quiet satisfaction settled over him. He lay there, listening to the soft whir of the fan, feeling a little less cool but somehow more at peace.

Around 4 a.m., when the elder men began stirring awake, Akshat finally managed to fall into a light sleep, too exhausted to worry about anything else.

Akshat slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy and disoriented. To his surprise, he found himself surrounded by a group of women, all huddled around his bed and looking at him with wide smiles.

“Damad ji toh bade sundar hain,” one of the ladies commented, eyes twinkling with admiration.

“Amrit ke toh bhagya khul gaye, behan ji!” another chimed in, clapping her hands in delight.

Akshat froze, utterly baffled, as he tried to process the situation.

Realizing he was awake, one of the ladies nudged him gently, “Arre uth gaye Damad ji…so jao beta, hum toh bas yunhi baat kar rahe the.”

Awkwardly, he sat up, rubbing his eyes and giving them a polite, if slightly confused, smile.

“Waise aur kaise hain aap?” one of the women asked with a warm smile. She began introducing everyone. “Main hoon Latika, Amrit ki masi ki jethani ki behan. Yeh hain Sheela, Amrit ki masi ki bua. Yeh Hemlata ji hain, Pratibha ki fufaji ke maa. Aur yeh Indra hain, Anand ke mausi ke saas. Aur ye Mitali, Anand ki bua ki nanad.”

Akshat smiled blankly, hands folded in a polite namaste. “Namaste, namaste,” he mumbled, trying his best to remember the sea of names.

The introductions barely ended when another woman eagerly asked, “Aur ka karte ho beta?”

“Ji, wo… professor hoon,” Akshat replied, a little hesitant.

“Acha, acha! Master ho... Konsi class mein padhate ho? Primary?” Indra asked, her face filled with curiosity.

“J…ji nahi, college mein professor hoon. School mein nahi,” Akshat clarified.

“Ohh, acha, acha! Toh kitna kamate ho beta?” Latika leaned in, whispering as if she were asking a deep, personal secret.

“Ji... kuch fix nahi hai,” he answered uncomfortably.

“Haan, private mein fix nahi rehta… 15-20 hazar se zyada kahan milega,” Latika replied knowingly, nodding her head.

The women exchanged knowing glances, while Akshat’s discomfort only grew.

Another woman added, “Batao, hamare bittu ko toh 35 milta hai. Phir bhi apni patni ka kharcha nahi uthana chahta, kehta hai job wali ladki se shaadi karega. Toh tum kaise sambhalte honge Amrit ka kharcha? Wo toh abhi padh rahi hai.”

“Ji, ji! Itna bhi kam nahi milta,” Akshat said, trying to assure them.

“Acha, acha, matlab tumhara bhi 35-40 hazar hai?” Mitali asked, nodding in approval.

Just then, Amrit entered the terrace with her cousins.

“Dadi, itna kam bhi nahi milta poora college hi unka hai. Itna bada college hai toh kam se kam 30 lakh tak salary har professor ki hoti hai,” Amaira said, winking at Akshat.

“Arre baap re! Amrit ki toh kismat hi ban gayi, itna sundar aur sanskari ladka mila!” Hemlata exclaimed, pinching Akshat’s cheek. Amrit chuckled at the sight as Akshat flinched slightly, trying to smile through his discomfort.

Just then, Pratibha called Amrit. “Amrit, beta yahan aana, kaam hai.”

Amrit started to leave, but Akshat’s eyes silently pleaded, “Please, don’t leave me with them!”

Amrit only giggled, mouthing, “Good luck,” as she left with her cousins.

Once she was gone, the women resumed their conversation. “Amrit ki bhi kismat hai, warna toh aaj kal 20 lakh se kam mein nahi milte hain,” Indra said knowingly.

Akshat’s brow furrowed. “Wait, what? Are they… talking about me in terms of price?”

“Hamari wali ke liye toh 28 lakh mein mile the!” Mitali boasted, clearly proud.

Akshat looked horrified, thoughts racing. “Yeh log ladka khareed rahe hain kya?”

“Arre, damad ji ke saath Amrit ki shaadi agar poore riwaz ke saath hoti toh itna ameer ladka toh kam se kam 60-70 lakh tak jata,” Latika added.

At this point, Akshat couldn't take it anymore. He took out his phone and quickly sent a message to Amrit.

“Mujhe bachao! Main phas gaya hoon. Bore ho raha hoon aur meri meeting hai, I have to get ready.”

Just then, Amrit came back up, carrying a tray. “Aap sab nashta kar lijiye,” she said sweetly to the women.

“Thik hai, damad ji, phir aate hain,” Indra said with a smile as they finally left, leaving Akshat with a huge sigh of relief.

Amrit started laughing as she watched him visibly relax.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, his face reflecting a mixture of frustration and amusement.

“Aapka chehra dekhne laayak tha… Hey bhagwan! Achha phase the,” Amrit said between fits of laughter.

“Unki baatein kaisi thi! 'Itne mein ladka mila, itne mein mila…' pehle toh I thought they were talking about a car! Baad mein samajh aya, ki ye ladke khareedne ki baat kar rahe.” Akshat said, shaking his head.

“Aap nahi samjhenge, yeh sab aurton ki panchayat hai,” Amrit replied, still laughing.

“Mujhe samajhna bhi nahi hai!” Akshat retorted, chuckling. “Achha, ab batao bathroom kahan hai? Meri meeting shuru hone wali hai,” he added, glancing at his phone.

“Chaliye,” Amrit said, guiding him downstairs.

She pointed towards a door at the end of the hall. “Woh raha.”

Akshat looked ahead, only to see a long line of people standing outside, all waiting to use it.

“Yeh kya ho raha hai?” he asked, confused.

“Sab line mein khade hain nahane ke liye,” Amrit explained with a grin.

“Oh yaar, mujhe late ho jayega! Pehle meeting attend kar leta hoon, phir naha loonga,” he muttered.

“Wait karte rahenge toh line badhti jayegi,” she teased.

Just then, Sumitra, Pratibha’s mother-in-law, came up to them. “Arre damad ji, agar der ho rahi hai toh ek kaam kariye—bahar motor on hai, sab pipe se naha rahe hain, aap bhi wahin naha lijiye,” she suggested helpfully.

Akshat peered outside and saw several men bathing out in the open with buckets and a pipe. He gulped, the idea far from comforting.

“A…b…w…wo nahi dadi ji, main intezaar kar lunga,” he stammered, his face turning slightly red.

Sumitra waved her hand dismissively and called out to the others in line, “Arre hato, pehle damad ji ko jaane do. Unko apne kaam ke liye der ho rahi hai!”

Akshat chuckled awkwardly, glancing at Amrit, who just grinned back, clearly enjoying his predicament.

Akshat stood in the middle of the room, his brows furrowed in confusion. The unfamiliar surroundings of the room felt a little overwhelming, and he couldn't help but glance around, trying to figure out the next step. He noticed a hanger and, with a quiet sigh, hung up his clothes.

As he turned to remove his shirt, a small frown formed on his face. "Bathtub nahi hai kya?" he muttered to himself, looking around for a tub. He was used to the convenience of having one, but it seemed there wasn’t one in sight.

His eyes landed on the showerhead, and his expression softened a little in realization. "Ohh, shower hai," he said, nodding to himself. He eagerly turned the faucet on, expecting the refreshing rush of water, but nothing happened. The pipes remained stubbornly silent, and his frown deepened. "Kya ho gaya?" he muttered under his breath, twisting the handle harder, hoping to make it work.

But the situation took a sudden turn. There was a sharp, cracking sound as the showerhead came loose and fell right into his hand. Akshat stood frozen, staring at it for a beat before his eyes widened. "Oh God!! Iska kya karun?" he muttered, his heart racing a little in panic. His mind immediately raced to Amrit. What would he say? Would she be upset?

His feet shifted nervously, and in the process, his shirt got damp from the wet floor. He hastily grabbed it, pulling it over his head, not bothering to button it properly, just trying to cover himself up. His face flushed slightly, embarrassment bubbling up.

He carefully opened the door a crack and peered out, cautiously scanning the living room. His eyes immediately found Amrit, standing a little distance away, engaged in conversation with a couple of women. Relief washed over him for a split second, but then he remembered the mess he'd just caused in the bathroom.

Sighing, he tried to work up the courage to go to her. He hesitated, biting his lip as he watched her laugh at something one of the women said. She looked beautiful, lost in her conversation, and Akshat couldn’t help but stare for a moment before realizing he still had to deal with the shower catastrophe.

"I should tell this to Amrit.” he thought, his stomach twisting.

The chaos of the house buzzed around Akshat as he stood by the door, trying to get Amrit’s attention. His voice barely carried over the noise of the crowd, the sound of various people shouting about different issues filling the air.

“Psspss… Amrit!!” Akshat called in a low voice, but the noise from the others was deafening. The house was alive with chatter.

"Bhabhi, chai nahi diya bahar kisi ko!" someone yelled from the kitchen.

"Arre, mere bete ko khana nahi mila, bas mere bacche se problem hai sabko!" another voice chimed in.

"Mera nariyal ka tel rakha tha, kahan gaya?!" came a frustrated shout from another room.

Akshat tried again, but his efforts seemed futile, his voice drowned by the noise. Frustrated, his eyes darted around, and he noticed Aditi passing by. An idea sparked, and he quickly called out to her.

"Ahmm... Aditi!!" he called, waving his hand slightly.

Aditi stopped in her tracks and looked over at him, her eyebrows raised. She walked toward him, a curious expression on her face.

"Haan, jiju? Koi problem hai?" she asked, standing in front of him with a concerned look.

"Amrit ko bhej do, please," Akshat said, his voice strained with embarrassment. He was trying to keep it calm, but the awkwardness of the situation was getting to him.

Aditi’s eyes widened, and a sly grin spread across her face. "Par wo already naha chuki hain," she teased, giving him a mischievous glance.

Akshat blinked, his expression caught between confusion and surprise. "Huh?" he muttered, not quite understanding her comment.

Aditi giggled at his reaction. "Kuch nahi… bulati hun," she said with a wink before walking off toward Amrit, leaving Akshat standing there, bewildered.

Aditi didn’t waste any time. She walked up to Amrit, her voice playful as she called out, "Amrit didi, jiju!" Her voice echoed in the busy living room, and Amrit finally looked up, her eyes locking with Akshat’s.

Amrit gave him a curious look, her brows furrowing as she approached him, her heels clicking softly on the floor. "Idhar aao na, please," he gestured, signaling her to come closer, his voice low, filled with the tension of the situation.

"Kya hua?" Amrit asked, standing at a distance, still unsure of what was happening.

Akshat took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure. "Shower mein kuch problem ho gaya," he admitted, his face flushing slightly from the awkwardness.

Amrit frowned for a second, and Akshat could see her thoughts churning. "Mai Amit ko bhejti hun," she started, but before she could finish, Akshat quickly interrupted her.

"Nahi!! Sirf tum hi chahiye," he said, his voice growing a little more intense. His words seemed to catch Amrit off guard. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she looked around, aware of the growing attention from the others in the room. The laughter from the background grew louder, and Akshat’s face turned even redder.

Everyone else around them couldn’t hold back their giggles, their faces filled with amusement at the unfolding scene.

Amrit’s cheeks flushed even more as she realized the situation. She lowered her gaze for a brief moment, trying to hide her embarrassment, before she walked closer to him.

She moved towards him with gentle steps and, without saying another word, closed the curtain by the washroom door to give him privacy, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

Akshat let out a heavy sigh of relief as he looked at Amrit, holding the broken shower handle in his hand. "Wo shower toot gaya. I don't know kaise... chal nahi raha tha toh maine bas twist kar diya. Iska kya karun ab?" he said, his voice filled with exasperation as he showed her the now-useless piece of the shower.

Amrit's gaze shifted to the shower head, taking in the situation. Her lips curled into a soft, understanding smile. "Rakh dijiye, I will talk to Masi," she said, her tone calm and reassuring.

Akshat stared at the broken shower for a moment, his brows furrowing. "But how will I take a bath now?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration, not knowing how to go about solving the problem.

Amrit’s eyes sparkled with a little amusement as she stepped forward. "Aap chinta mat kariye," she said, walking toward the washroom. She opened a small cupboard near the sink, pulled out a large tub, and set it near the water tap. "After filling the tub, close the tap," she instructed, turning to him while handing him a small, simple mug.

Akshat stood still for a moment, unsure of how to react, his eyes carefully studying the mug in his hand as if it were a new object. He held it awkwardly, glancing from it to Amrit and back again, unsure of how to proceed. His expression was a mix of confusion and mild amusement at the simplicity of the solution.

Amrit watched him with soft affection, trying to hide her smile at how adorably confused he looked. "Koi problem hai?" she asked with a teasing lilt in her voice, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning against the doorway.

Akshat blinked a few times as if he had just snapped out of his thoughts, and then gave her a small, embarrassed grin. "Not at all," he replied quickly, his voice awkward but trying to sound as if everything was perfectly fine.

Amrit’s gaze inadvertently drifted toward Akshat as he stood near the washroom door, the wet fabric of his shirt clinging to his body, revealing his toned chest as the top few buttons had come undone. The fabric clung to his skin, leaving little to the imagination. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but stare, her mind racing with thoughts she quickly tried to suppress. Her eyes widened, and she found herself lost for a moment, caught in a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.

Akshat, sensing something was amiss, turned toward her, his brow furrowing in confusion as he noticed her wide-eyed stare. He looked at her for a moment, trying to process her reaction. When he followed her gaze, it dawned on him, and his face turned a deep shade of crimson. His eyes widened in realization.

"Haww!" he exclaimed in a loud, dramatic voice, immediately shutting the door in a rush. His actions were so sudden, it was as if the realization had hit him like a bolt of lightning.

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